Curtis’s Reviews > The Communist Manifesto > Status Update
Curtis
is finished
Last manifestoes didn't do much for me; Canadian one reflected an interesting time in our history that made me realize how little I know about Canada's past, but was way longer than needed. Interesting in how it shows ability to vote doesn't fix all ills like M & E predicted, especially when representation is slanted by region bias. Final essay should've been placed earlier with other French stuff. Thought provoking!
— Jul 17, 2026 10:25AM
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Curtis
is on page 221 of 256
Engels' writing ends w/ account of communism's history. Liked the detailing of splintering groups being scattered by the law only to reform stronger. Interesting assessments of US/Canada, but other travelogue unneeded. Transitions to other manifestoes, incl. from French Revolution that added great context of precedents to communism. Brit manifesto was complete fluff; far vaguer than the CM. Canadian manifesto next!
— Jul 16, 2026 09:32AM
Curtis
is on page 160 of 256
Unable to shake my agnosticism here; strongly agreeing in places, disagreeing (or wanting elaboration) in other places. Taking note when it prescribes things which the USSR acted against (material conditions/democracy not met before revolution; warns against taking away personal freedoms). Inevatability of communism, domino theory, proved untrue, yet these assumptions baked into theory. Enjoying the experience!
— Jul 04, 2026 06:38AM
Curtis
is on page 125 of 256
Marx can be saucy! His takedown of a liberal pretending to be communist surprisingly funny. Engel's 'confession,' like manifesto, brings up several things I'm unsure on & doesn't elaborate like class gray zones (between prol. & bourg.), details on property abolition etc. Funny to see principles that counter USSR such as 'we cant rule by decree/not all class conditions necessitate revolution.' Difficult but rewarding.
— Jun 24, 2026 04:09PM
Curtis
is on page 95 of 256
Not sure manifesto is best entry point: presumes knowledge; takes defensive against misconceptions, rather than laying out communist ideology/goals. Though its defenses are strong & I understood it better this time than before (esp. private/personal property distinction, uprooting of family & indust. revolution), it still feels uneven/incomplete. Presumption of capitalism breaking itself down that I can't reconcile.
— Jun 13, 2026 01:16PM
Curtis
is on page 61 of 256
Intro: how popular manifestoes were, eclipsing religious-style catechisms as ideal format. Wish it got more into communism origins, since it's made clear M & E didn't start it (who did)? Presumes foreknowledge in places; beginner-friendly in others, (M & E's backgrounds). Some hints of my feeling that Marx sometimes oversimplifies (late stage capitalism, historical materialism). Curious to re-read manifesto now!
— Jun 11, 2026 07:17AM